This post is VERY political, but these are sobering realities. We need to make sure we’re ready in advance of the election, because…

…if Trump is correct, there will be blood. (More blood than usual.) If he loses, there will be a bloodbath around election day. (His words.) If he wins, the bloodbath will start on Day One of his presidency. That’s when he’s vowed to start the deportation of people in this country illegally (or legally if he starts in Springfield, OH). It will be bloody. (His words.)

I think blood is something we need to prepare for, no matter what.

Then, depending on who wins…

…there could be higher taxes. Of all the issues some people are concerned about, this seems to be the most troubling to them BY FAR.   

…there could be massive disruption in the workforce. “Fire every single mid-level bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, replace them with our people.” JD Vance July 17, 2024

…there WILL be a lot of work to do for everyone concerned with getting our country back on track. For conservatives, Liz Cheney said it best. “I understand the desire to think that you’re casting a vote for conservative policies, but–first of all, (Trump) is not a conservative, and he’s dangerous…and we can talk about getting this country back on track once we get through this election cycle.” Conservatism isn’t the issue (in my opinion). This is about an individual. We can get back to old-fashioned jockeying (and progress) later.

…there could be hard choices. I have a nagging question. If Trump plans to seek retribution against his opponents, how exactly would he know who his loyalists are and who his opponents are unless he sees our votes or requires an oath of allegiance? Would you sign on? Life could become extremely difficult for those who would not.

I know my opinions aren’t veiled, but I think most of us want peace and the ability to make progress, we just don’t know what the immediate future holds. I mean, exploding pagers that kill? How do we get ready for the unprecedented?

I keep thinking about Ephesians 6:14-15. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” 

So we get ready by immersing ourselves in the gospel of peace? I find that ironic in a passage talking about putting on the armor of God. But maybe the irony is the answer. We don’t fight violence and darkness with violence and darkness, we fight it by donning the right belt and shoes and such. Are we ready? I have no idea, but knowing what footwear to strap on is helpful to me.

Readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Vintage God stuff.